Special Worship Services

HYMN
      Once in Royal David's City

Kneel.................
BIDDING PRAYERS

THE LORD'S PRAYER
      Our Father in heaven,
      hallowed be your Name,
      your kingdom come,
      your will be done
      on earth as in heaven.
      Give us today our daily bread.
      Forgive us our sins
      as we forgive those who sin against us.
      Lead us not into temptation,
      but deliver us from evil.
      For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
      now and for ever. Amen.

BLESSING
      The almighty God bless us with divine grace: Christ give us the joys of everlasting life: and may the King of Angels take us into the fellowship of His heavenly community. Amen.

FIRST LESSON
      Genesis 3:8-15
      God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head.

CAROL
      Come and sing the Christmas story

SECOND LESSON
      Genesis 22:15-18
      God promises to faithful Abraham that his descendents will bless the nations of the earth

CAROL
      O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

THIRD LESSON
      Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
      Christ's birth and Kingdom are foretold by Isaiah the prophet

CAROL
      Hark the Herald Angels sing

FOURTH LESSON
      Isaiah 11:1-4, 6-9
      The peace that Christ will bring us is foreshadowed

CAROL
      O little town of Bethlehem

FIFTH LESSON
      Luke 1:26-35, 38
      The angel Gabriel salutes the blessed Virgin Mary

CAROL
      The first Nowell

SIXTH LESSON
      Matthew 1:18-21
      Saint Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus

CAROL
      Jesus Christ the Lord is born

SEVENTH LESSON
      Luke 2:8-20
      The shepherds go to the manger

CAROL
      Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

EIGHTH LESSON
      Matthew 2:1-11
      The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

CAROL
      See amid the winter snow

NINTH LESSON (all standing)
      John 1:1-14
      Saint John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation

CAROL
      Silent Night, Holy Night

PRAYERS
      The Lord be with you
        And also with you

      Let us pray

Kneel..........
COLLECT
      All glory to you, gracious God,
      for the gift of your Son,
      whom you sent to save us.
      With the angels, let us praise your name,
      and tell the earth his story,
      that all may believe, rejoice and proclaim your love;
      Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
      who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
      one God, now and for ever. Amen.

      Lord Jesus, Child of Bethlehem,
      who in love made humankind,
      create in us love so pure and perfect
      that we may learn to love as you love,
      in your name and for your sake. Amen.

      Stand........
HYMN
      O Come, All you Faithful

BLESSING
      May the One who by his incarnation gathered into one, things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God, the love of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit remain with you always. Amen

      Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
        In the name of Christ. Amen.

CLOSING VOLUNTARY